Following a prolonged siege, Jerusalem’s city walls were destroyed. On that devastating day, Jewish homes were ransacked and many were forced to migrate. Robbed of their homeland, all their hopes and dreams for a better future turned into smoke and ashes.

Here they were: people from all over the country clinging to prophet Micah’s words. Desperate, they questioned Micah:

 “Look, we have nothing left to give. The only thing left are our children. And since we have no future to offer them, we might as well sacrifice them to God and hope for the best. What else can we do, so that God will take our side? What is it He wants from us?”

To be clear, God hates any form of human sacrifice, certainly child sacrifice. Micah reminded the people of Israel:

“You already know what God wants. He told you what is good. Do what is right, love mercy and walk humbly with your God!”

With their backs against the wall and no place to go, people basically declared bankruptcy before the Lord. In a way, this was Israel’s first step to disassociate themselves from their enemies. Declaring bankruptcy, Israel was no longer in the hands of their oppressors. They put themselves entirely into God’s hands – an example how freedom starts with the right mindset. Humility goes a long way.

A crisis is often a reality check. We get to see see how many things are out of our control. And if we need a lot of grace because we messed up majorly, then we probably also want to extend plenty of grace to others. It’s hard to go wrong with a humble and gracious attitude. After all, there is only one thing the Lord desires for you and me – and I believe you’ve already guessed it: Do what is right my friend, stay humble and love mercy.